Captivating Kerala
6 Days Starting and ending in Kochi, Kerala, India
Visiting: Kochi, Periyar National Park, Kumarakom
Tour operator:
Tour code:
INKEZN19
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Trip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
From:
$1550
$1377 (USD)
Operator discount: -$173
-11%
Tour Overview
Embark on a mesmerizing journey through the heart of Kerala, India, with the "Captivating Kerala" tour. This enchanting adventure begins in the vibrant city of Kochi, where history and culture come alive. Explore the aromatic Kumily Spice Garden, marvel at the architectural beauty of St. Francis Church, and immerse yourself in the lush landscapes that Kerala is famed for. A highlight of your journey will be a scenic cruise along the serene backwaters aboard a traditional houseboat, offering a unique glimpse into the local way of life. With luxury air-conditioned coach travel, cherry-picked hotels, and an array of included meals and sightseeing experiences, this tour promises an unforgettable exploration of Kerala's rich cultural heritage and natural splendor.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome To Kochi, Gateway To The Backwaters Of Kerala
Location: Kochi
Accommodation: Le Meridien Kochi
Accommodation Name: Le Meridien Kochi
Meals Included: Welcome Reception
On arrival to Kochi Airport, you’ll be transferred to your hotel. The bountiful backwaters of Kerala, ‘God’s own country’, welcome you. This slice of southern India is a lush garden filled with spices, brilliant colours and the enchanting sounds of nature. Relax on the tranquil shores of the Arabian Sea and let the freshest seafood melt in your mouth as you sink into a more straightforward way of life – one where nature sets the pace for the day.
Later, join your Travel Director and fellow travellers for a Welcome Reception with local appetisers.
Day 2 : Nature And Relaxation In Periyar
Location: Periyar National Park
Accommodation: Elephant Court
Accommodation Name: The Elephant Court Thekkady Periyar National Park
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Your love affair with Kerala’s lush landscapes begins today. Head to Periyar, named after Kerala’s longest river which winds its way deep through the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park, your first stop.
You may wish to spend the afternoon soaking up the sounds of nature during an immersive Nature Walk with a Local Specialist. Tread lightly along the dense forest trails as you learn about the endemic flora and fauna. Banyan, Teak and Bamboo trees provide a serene backdrop for a lesson in Kerala wildlife. You may be lucky enough to see herds of wild elephant and bison seeking to quench their thirst along the quiet shores of Periyar Lake. Keep a keen eye out for hornbills, flycatchers and kites – some of the many species of local and migratory birds that flock to this pristine sanctuary.
With your soul soothed after connecting with nature, head to your hotel to freshen up before an exhilarating Dive Into Culture Kalarippayattu performance. Watch as trained Kalari warriors show off this most ancient of martial arts, jumping and somersaulting in the ultimate coordination between mind and body.
After a day of adventure, enjoy dinner at your hotel.
Day 3 : Onwards To Kumarakom
Location: Kumarakom
Accommodation: The Zuri Kumarakom Resort and Spa
Accommodation Name: The Zuri Kumarakom Resort and Spa
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
The intoxicating scents of cardamom, cinnamon and cloves linger long after today’s encounter with Kerala’s famous spices. Your first stop today is a visit to Kumily Spice Garden. Here you’ll learn how the locals grow and share an astounding variety of flavourful spices, ranging from pepper and ginger to vanilla and cardamom, the 'Queen of Spices'. Gain in-depth insights into the process of spice cultivation and discover how Kerala’s international spice trade has shaped its culture and heritage.
There’s more to experience as you head to Kumarakom, a tranquil village set on the peaceful banks of Lake Vembanad, the largest lake in Kerala. Embark on a walking tour and Dive Into Culture as you admire the vibrant day-to-day of village life in the regional market and lively streets.
Day 4: Cruise The Calm Backwaters
Location: Kumarakom
Accommodation: The Zuri Kumarakom Resort and Spa
Accommodation Name: The Zuri Kumarakom Resort and Spa
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Kerala’s intrinsic relationship with water takes centre stage today.
Enjoy a leisurely start, then board a traditional houseboat for a cruise surrounded by Kerala’s iconic backwaters. Take a deep breath and enjoy the slow, sultry pace of life fringing the narrow canals as you wind your way to Alleppey. Watch villagers wave to each other from their wooden Shikaras (traditional boats), and see how life unfolds along the palm-fringed shoreline. Even your ride for the day is rooted in history. These houseboats, known locally as Kettuvalloms, were formerly old barges used to ferry rice and spices.
Upon arriving in Alleppey, disembark and return to Kumarakom for dinner and a relaxing evening.
Day 5 : Explore Multi-Cultural Kochi
Location: Kochi
Accommodation: Le Meridien Kochi
Accommodation Name: Le Meridien Kochi
Meals Included: Breakfast, Be My Guest
The remnants of Kerala's colourful, centuries-old trading history are best explored in the old port city of Kochi. It was here that Chinese, Arab and European merchants came to buy the fragrant spices that found their way to tables all over the world. In turn, they left their mark on Kochi's architecture, cuisine and traditions. Colonial bungalows, Catholic churches, mosques and a European fort season the cityscape that was once known as the 'Queen of the Arabian Sea'.
Enjoy time for lunch before embarking on a city tour to see first-hand this multicultural centre, including views of the Mattancherry Dutch Palace and St. Francis Church, built by Portuguese traders. Visit the Fort Kochi area and see traditional cantilevered Chinese fishing nets, unique to this part of Kerala. See how these fixed land installations made on bamboo scaffolding are artfully lowered into the sea to catch the seafood for which Kochi is famous.
This evening, Connect With Locals and enjoy a cooking demonstration with a local family followed by a delicious Be My Guest Farewell Dinner.
Day 6: Farewell Kochi
Location: Kochi
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your epic encounter with Kerala’s culture and natural wonders has come to an end, but your memories will last a lifetime. Say farewell to your travel companions and take an airport transfer for your onward flight.
What's Included
-
An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
-
Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
-
All porterage and restaurant gratuities
-
All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
-
Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
-
Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
-
Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
-
Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
-
Optional Experiences and free time
What's Not Included
-
International Airfare
Flights to and from the tour start and end points are not included.
-
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is recommended for all travelers but is not included in the tour package.
-
Some Meals
While many meals are included, some will be at your own expense, giving you the opportunity to explore local dining options.
-
Optional Experience Costs
Costs for optional experiences, beyond those included in the tour package, are not covered.
-
Personal Expenses
Expenses for shopping, personal activities, and tips for services not included in the tour (like personal hotel services) are not covered.
Mode of Transport
Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
Accommodation
Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
Check out our Q&As
-
What are the highlights of the Captivating Kerala tour?
The highlights of the Captivating Kerala tour include exploring Kochi, visiting Kumily Spice Garden and St. Francis Church in Kochi, and a scenic cruise on the Kerala Backwaters on a houseboat.
-
What type of transportation is provided on the Captivating Kerala tour?
The Captivating Kerala tour provides luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi
-
What are the exclusions of the Captivating Kerala tour?
The exclusions of the Captivating Kerala tour include international airfare, travel insurance, some meals, costs for optional experiences, and personal expenses.
-
What type of accommodation is included in the Captivating Kerala tour?
The Captivating Kerala tour includes cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted.
-
Are meals included in the Captivating Kerala tour?
Yes, breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals are included in the Captivating Kerala tour.
-
What are the inclusions of the Captivating Kerala tour?
The inclusions of the Captivating Kerala tour are an expert Travel Director and professional Driver, cherry-picked hotels, all porterage and restaurant gratuities, all hotel tips, charges and local taxes, breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals, must-see sightseeing and surprise extras, audio headsets for flexible sightseeing, luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation, and optional experiences and free time.
-
Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
The beauty of taking a guided holiday with us is that you’ll have the opportunity to meet and travel with people from all over the globe.
-
What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Vaccination against Covid-19 is not mandatory to travel with Trafalgar. However, we strongly recommend that guests are vaccinated before travelling. Please note that airlines and/or other authorities may have different requirements. It is the guest's responsibility to comply with these requirements at all times.
-
How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1947
-
What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Trafalgar is a founding partner of the TreadRight Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation established in 2008. So far, the charity has donated more than US$2 million to help underprivileged communities and support sustainable tourism around the world.
-
Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
Reviews of this Operator
Dates & Availability
2024 Nov
2024 Dec
2024 Jan
2025 Feb
2025 Mar
2025 Apr
2025 May
2025 Jun
2025 Oct
2025 Nov
2025 Dec
2025 Jan
2026
Saturday - Thursday
Oct 19, 2024 - Oct 24, 2024Saturday - Thursday
Nov 02, 2024 - Nov 07, 2024Friday - Wednesday
Nov 15, 2024 - Nov 20, 2024Saturday - Thursday
Nov 30, 2024 - Dec 05, 2024Saturday - Thursday
Dec 14, 2024 - Dec 19, 2024Wednesday - Monday
Jan 01, 2025 - Jan 06, 2025Wednesday - Monday
Jan 08, 2025 - Jan 13, 2025Tuesday - Sunday
Jan 14, 2025 - Jan 19, 2025Tuesday - Sunday
Jan 28, 2025 - Feb 02, 2025Tuesday - Sunday
Feb 11, 2025 - Feb 16, 2025Tuesday - Sunday
Feb 25, 2025 - Mar 02, 2025Saturday - Thursday
Mar 08, 2025 - Mar 13, 2025Tuesday - Sunday
Mar 18, 2025 - Mar 23, 2025Tuesday - Sunday
Apr 08, 2025 - Apr 13, 2025Tuesday - Sunday
Apr 22, 2025 - Apr 27, 2025Tuesday - Sunday
May 06, 2025 - May 11, 2025Tuesday - Sunday
May 20, 2025 - May 25, 2025Tuesday - Sunday
Jun 03, 2025 - Jun 08, 2025Tuesday - Sunday
Oct 14, 2025 - Oct 19, 2025Friday - Wednesday
Oct 24, 2025 - Oct 29, 2025Monday - Saturday
Nov 10, 2025 - Nov 15, 2025Tuesday - Sunday
Nov 25, 2025 - Nov 30, 2025Tuesday - Sunday
Dec 09, 2025 - Dec 14, 2025Saturday - Thursday
Dec 27, 2025 - Jan 01, 2026Saturday - Thursday
Jan 03, 2026 - Jan 08, 2026Book with Confidence
-
Low Deposit
Trafalgar requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
-
Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of trafalgar charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
-
Terms and Conditions